Toyota plans BMW engine 'family'

Toyota reveals partnership to use BMW diesels will include several models and different engines

Toyota is best known for its commitment to hybrid cars, but Auto Express has learned that the company has agreed a deal with BMW to use "a whole family of transverse diesel engines" on various different platforms.

The first model to emerge from this partnership is the Toyota Verso 1.6 D-4D, which uses the same 109bhp engine as the MINI Cooper D to help cut its CO2 emissions without affecting performance. However on the launch of the new Verso, Vice President for European R&D Gerald Killmann confirmed that Toyota was already developing other models in the range to use this engine, including the Auris hatch and estate, and the RAV4 crossover.

When asked how extensive this deal for engines was, Killlmann told us that "several platforms" has already been agreed, which opens up the possibility of several more BMW-powered cars, and could mean that a large 2.0-litre diesel is also on the agenda. These engines are set to gradually replace the current models in the range, and will help boost sales for the brand in Europe, where buyers are still skeptical about the benefits of petrol hybrids.

The new Auris is already performing well for the brand, as it is currently the fifth best-selling hatchback in the incredibly competitive C-segment, which includes cars like the VW Golf and Ford Focus. However the bad news for fans of sportier Toyotas is that Killmann told us that the GT 86 Coupe was flagging behind its sales targets in all major markets.

This poor performance is creating doubts about whether to develop a more powerful version, and Killmann told us, "A faster version of that car would be at the top of most people's wish lists, but like the cabriolet, it is hard to justify a business case to push either model into production based on the current sales."

He also said that Toyota was unsure of what the main factor behind the slow sales was, especially given that the car has been a huge hit with the automotive media. "Personally, I think that engine could use a little bit more" he explained, but whether that car will become a production reality now looks in serious doubt.

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Submitted by HTG on Wed, 2014-02-19 18:00.

For BMW to agree to this leads me to think they want access to Toyota's crown jewels.... Hybrid know how and possibly to a lesser extent, the Carbon fibre experience gained while developing the LFA. Something for nothing and all that.

Submitted by Lee on Wed, 2014-02-19 18:55.

Is this the same 1.6 diesel engine that PSA had a hand in developing with BMW?

Submitted by aaaaa on Wed, 2014-02-19 21:35.

Why not contact Honda and use their engines?. Bizaar.

Submitted by ShouldHaveBetterThingsToDo on Wed, 2014-02-19 22:10.

Diesel based hybrid first off in the Lexus brand perhaps

Submitted by Daniel James Collins on Wed, 2014-02-19 22:54.

I personally think the reason why the GT86 sales are lagging is because its about £5,000 to expensive. it should be lining up against the MX-5 really. also its just not acceptable that its slower than a considerable amount of cars including virtually every hot hatch.

Everyone knows the GT86 is a handling god and a great driving machine, just abit more power please. or a cheap small turbo ( 1.6 for instance ) so its abit better on fuel and cheaper to tax.

I personally really like the GT86, but I'm going to wait until its a few years old before I consider one.

Submitted by Bond on Thu, 2014-02-20 08:45.

I hope they wont discontinue the GT86 yes abit more expensive than it should be but its there best looking Toyota out of the lot out of the Toyota UK / Europe range, if they scrap this model completely i lose interest in Toyota for good !

Submitted by serti on Thu, 2014-02-20 11:36.

definitely not the carbon fibre. BMW's already a step ahead with their plastic-reinforced carbon-tubs

Submitted by HTG on Thu, 2014-02-20 19:57.

Not so sure about that... haven't Lexus got the worlds only carbon fibre loom or something? Seem to recall reading that when the LFA was launched

Submitted by HTG on Thu, 2014-02-20 19:59.

I doubt we'll ever see a diesel Lexus ever again let along a hybrid one.

Submitted by 123m on Thu, 2014-02-20 20:10.

Bmw have had a all new engine out for three years that's genuine bmw. Pre 2010 models did have psa co developed engine more for psa than bmw as they are one of the best engine makers in the world!

Submitted by Rebel Yel on Fri, 2014-02-21 00:40.

Just because Toyota have sold a lot of hybrids doesn't mean they're particularly good or cutting edge. Other car makers that have launched hybrids or EVs more recently have made comparable or even more accomplished products.

Carbon fibre is an expensive product to make because it's very time consuming. A small start-up company could start making carbon fiber componets with less equipment then making steel, or other alloy, components from scratch. Technology is only a factor in making the process quicker and cheaper.

Also, comparing the LFA to other Toyotas is like comparing a Veyron to a VW Polo.

Submitted by Rebel Yel on Fri, 2014-02-21 00:51.

Wanting more power from the GT86 completely misses the point. It's a hoot to drive because it doesn't have much grip with it's hard and skinny tyres. You can get minor oversteer just driving around Milton Keynes within the speed limits. Any more power would be too much of a handful. Of-course, you could just buy any decent RWD car and fit spacesaver tyres ;)

Submitted by Driver0817 on Fri, 2014-02-21 02:37.

If Toyota wants Lexus to be taken seriously in Europe, they should stop being American and get diesel engines in their range.

Submitted by HTG on Fri, 2014-02-21 09:06.

Toyota aren't particularly good at Hybrids? LOL - That must be up for nomination for "classic comment of the year"!!

If Toyota weren't good at Hybrids you wouldn't have other manufacturers lining up to buy their tech... Infiniti, Mazda, BMW, think even Ford and GM wanted it IIRC.

Very few other manufacturers are getting anywhere near the Kw/HP out of their electric motors that Toyota is.

Submitted by atob on Fri, 2014-02-21 12:00.

Can you please explain " very few other manufacturers are getting anywhere near the Kw/HP out of their electric motors that Toyota is"? This is absolute nonsense!Are you talking about the pure power output of the motors?

Submitted by Ruben on Mon, 2014-02-24 04:56.

Toyota: Every time I look at an GT86 on the road or parked, I ask myself, why did Toyota give such ugly and small rims to an otherwise beautiful and muscular car? I'm pretty sure that's cutting into sales. The reality is that not many people want to buy a brand new car to scrap the rims and get aftermarkets. Buyers want the whole package.